
Vague Pronouns
Example of a vague sentence:
When Dave ran into Michael, he was carrying a huge pecan pie.
- In this sentence, it is unclear whether "he" refers to "Dave" or "Michael."
Pronouns take the place of nouns.
If a pronoun could be replacing more than one noun, the pronoun is vague.
Vague Examples:
Jane told Alicia that her cousin makes the best pancakes.
- In this sentence, it is unclear whether "her" refers to "Jane" or "Alicia."
I saw the mechanic and the pilot in the park. I gave him a cupcake.
- In this sentence, it is unclear whether "him" refers to "the mechanic" or "the pilot."
Dave put a pen in his backback, but it was gone when he got back.
- In this sentence, it is unclear whether "it" refers to "pen" or "backpack."
Clear Example:
Dave was carrying a huge pecan pie when he ran into Michael.
- In this sentence, "he" clearly refers to "Dave."